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Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands

Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland

Bergen - Reykjavík - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Sail beneath the midnight sun, overseas steeped in Norse mythology, and along the route of the boldest Vikings who ventured west. Meet the welcoming islanders who call the scenic Faroes home—Danes by nationality and Viking by blood. See the graves of their Viking ancestors and explore their tiny towns of turf-roofed homes. On Scotland’s outlying isles you’ll discover a 5,000-year-old village and see the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. And in the west, on a near circumnavigation of Iceland, see this geologically roiling land just as the Vikings must-have, from thundering waterfalls and boiling springs to islands so young the earth still steams.
A market in Bryggen, Bergen, NorwayVisit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islandsThe night lights of AkureyriThe breathtaking scenery of IcelandDiscover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
Highlights
  • Go back in time at Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old stone-slab village
  • See the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar
  • Walk with a historian through Jarlshof archaeological site
  • Observe incredible birdlife—massive puffin colonies in the Faroes & Grimsey
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bergen, Norway | Embark

Bergen is one of the major cities of the powerful Hanseatic League. Hansa merchants operated in the historic Bryggens Wharf area, filled with wooden buildings from the Middle Ages.

Day 2: Orkney Islands, Scotland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a morning at sea, then see the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the stone slab village of Skara Brae. Step into the past at the red sandstone cathedral of St. Magnus, built in 1137. 

Day 3: Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The ship glides past the towering bird cliffs of Noss for views of murres and kittiwakes. Visit the Jarlshof archaeological site, a prehistoric and Norse settlement continuously inhabited for more than 4,000 years, and see the famous Shetland ponies.

Day 4-6: The Faroe Island Archipelago

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking ancestry, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. We will explore the archipelago with possible stops: in Tórshavn, wooden boats bob at anchor in the harbor and harken back to Viking times; visit the natural history museum and the Kirkjubøur archaeological site, a medieval farming, and religious center; see the incredible bird cliffs and scenic landscapes of northern Streymoy, at the cliffs of Vestmanna. 

Day 7: Djúpivogur, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or visit a local farm to meet the families living in rural Iceland.

Day 8: At Sea | Grimsey

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a morning at sea as you sail northward to the land of the midnight sun, going ashore in the evening at the tiny island of Grimsey. Home to nesting sea birds, it lies exactly on the Arctic Circle.

Day 9: Lake Mývatn | Akureyri

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the mud pools at Hverarond and the unforgettable sight of Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Visit the explosion crater at Viti. Drive to Akureyri with its beautiful period houses, backed by snow-capped mountains.

Day 10-11: Western Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Walk around the charming hamlet that grew here.

Day 12: Surtsey & Heimaey, Westman Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was created in 1963 and 10 years later, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater where the earth is still hot and see areas that were engulfed by lava.

Day 13: Reykjavík, Iceland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Today you disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or the hot springs, geothermal power plant and a horse farm, prior to your flight home. 

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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